Here we have an unusual film for the dedicated viewer. Those who have never seen the movie before may wonder why it's even included here. Those who first saw this picture many decades ago will likely remember it fondly, though repeated viewing might hurt the nostalgia. The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini owes it's greatest horror thrill to the fact that it successfully used Nancy Sinatra and The Bobby Fuller Four to kill off the Beach Party film series. This was the seventh and last entry into that famous American International Pictures line.
It's not Nancy's singing that puts an end to an otherwise lively series. In fact, her rendition of "Geronimo" is one of Bikini's most remembered scenes. The movie's troubles come from choppy editing, unnecessary scene changes, character and plot inconsistencies, and an almost complete lack of association with the other Beach Party films.
Boris Karloff adds his considerable appeal, but his scenes are few, and it's not enough to boost this picture in the eyes of horror fans. As the recently deceased Hiram Stokley, he must lead his proper heirs to their inheritance without leaving his crypt. Former love interest Cicely (Susan Hart) offers her ghostly assistance. I believe hilarity was meant to ensue. Granted, the film was never intended to be a serious scare, but most of the jokes are flat and even many of the character names seem to be poorly thought out puns.
Eric Von Zipper (Harvey Lembeck)puts in a so-so appearance, and it is he and his gang that provide the strongest relation to the previous Beach Party titles. Without them, Bikini would probably have long been forgotten under the fog of passing years.
One of Bikini's best moments comes in the form of a one liner. Eric Von Zipper, speaking of Basil Rathbone's character, says he, "...looks like Sherlock Holmes." Mr. Rathbone, as some of you may know, is most famous for his portrayals of the great detective, though he has also made a good showing in other horror films. He even appeared with Karloff in both "The Comedy of Terrors" and "Son of Frankenstein."
I must also give mention of Bikini's fem fatale, Sinistra. Quinn O'Hara puts on a comically sexy performance that makes her stand out among the many young ladies in the picture--no small feat.
The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini may not please everyone. It certainly would have benefited from a little more time in the planning stages. It has not benefited from the passage of time since its creation. However, this spectator will always remember it fondly, and so I include it here. I hope the very brave among you will give it try and find yourselves richer for the experience.
It's not Nancy's singing that puts an end to an otherwise lively series. In fact, her rendition of "Geronimo" is one of Bikini's most remembered scenes. The movie's troubles come from choppy editing, unnecessary scene changes, character and plot inconsistencies, and an almost complete lack of association with the other Beach Party films.
Boris Karloff adds his considerable appeal, but his scenes are few, and it's not enough to boost this picture in the eyes of horror fans. As the recently deceased Hiram Stokley, he must lead his proper heirs to their inheritance without leaving his crypt. Former love interest Cicely (Susan Hart) offers her ghostly assistance. I believe hilarity was meant to ensue. Granted, the film was never intended to be a serious scare, but most of the jokes are flat and even many of the character names seem to be poorly thought out puns.
Eric Von Zipper (Harvey Lembeck)puts in a so-so appearance, and it is he and his gang that provide the strongest relation to the previous Beach Party titles. Without them, Bikini would probably have long been forgotten under the fog of passing years.
One of Bikini's best moments comes in the form of a one liner. Eric Von Zipper, speaking of Basil Rathbone's character, says he, "...looks like Sherlock Holmes." Mr. Rathbone, as some of you may know, is most famous for his portrayals of the great detective, though he has also made a good showing in other horror films. He even appeared with Karloff in both "The Comedy of Terrors" and "Son of Frankenstein."
I must also give mention of Bikini's fem fatale, Sinistra. Quinn O'Hara puts on a comically sexy performance that makes her stand out among the many young ladies in the picture--no small feat.
The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini may not please everyone. It certainly would have benefited from a little more time in the planning stages. It has not benefited from the passage of time since its creation. However, this spectator will always remember it fondly, and so I include it here. I hope the very brave among you will give it try and find yourselves richer for the experience.
